Die Ostseeregion – Impulsgeberin für die strategische Autonomie Europas?

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has changed the European security architecture, leading to previously unthinkable reactions in Central and Eastern Europe. Due to their geographical and historical proximit⁠y to Russia, the countries around the Baltic Sea reacted decisively to the altered security situation and changed course. In Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz proclaimed the so-called Zeitenwende in security and defence policy. Sweden and Finland joined NATO and Denmark abolished its opt-out clause in the Common Security and Defence Policy. To ensure that European states can continue to guarantee their security in the future, the question arises which impulse the Baltic Sea region can contribute to Europe's strategic autonomy. This article focuses on two aspects of autonomy: strategic defence autonomy and the resilience of critical infrastructure. Initiatives in the Baltic Sea region to improve autonomy are examined, and, thus, the region’s leadership potential at the European Union level is highlighted.